Senior business administration and classics major Kayla Rockwell received the Covenant Award for Service at Wednesday morning's chapel service.

Chapel Office Manager Carol LaCroix acknowledges Rockwell's passion for service since her first day at Augustana.

"From day one, Kayla walked onto the campus wanting to be involved in all service opportunities," LaCroix said. "But, she isn't just a one-dimensional person. Everything she does serves others."

Rockwell's involvement on- and off-campus and her daily interactions with others all point toward service.

Since her freshmen year, Rockwell has served on chapel staff. Since then, she has been active with many chapel service opportunities, particularly The Banquet, the Food-to-You drive, Augustana Mission for Peace and Pine Ridge Reservation visits. Currently she leads as chapel president.

Rockwell attributes her faith as the motivating factor for her service.

"Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself, so I try to brighten someone's day whenever I can," Rockwell said.

Rockwell's humble mindset and relational personality made her the ideal candidate, LaCroix said.

"She has a ministry of presence, and such a beautiful spirit about her. She doesn't want to talk about herself—that's why she was such a good candidate, because of her humility and her relationships with others," LaCroix said.

Campus pastor Paul Rohde agrees, praising Rockwell's leadership style that emphasizes service.

"Even when she's a leader up-front, she's always beside, too, supporting and encouraging others," Rohde said.

Rockwell encourages fellow students to use their passion to help others.

"Take whatever you already love doing and find a way to use that to connect with people. Find something you are passionate about and dive in," Rockwell said.

In late August, Rockwell will begin working as full-time volunteer with a Denver non-profit, the Urban Servant Corps.

Rockwell is the daughter of Jeff and Carol Rockwell of Sioux Falls, S.D.

Other nominees for the award include seniors Megan Brandsrud of Watertown, S.D., Hannah Drewes of Rock Rapids, Iowa, and Carli Ellwein from Frederick, S.D.